The effects of music with different rhythms on various sports parameters: an investigation on traditional Turkish archery athletes

Background: This study seeks to contribute uniquely to the underexplored field of traditional Turkish archery by objectively examining the effects of music on physiological and technical parameters, including heart rate, shooting duration, shooting frequency, shooting performance, and draw biomechanics. Methods: In this context, the study investigated the effects of rhythmic diversity on parameters such as heart rate, shooting frequency, shooting duration, shooting accuracy, and draw biomechanics. The participants of the study were 14 students studying at Bayburt University and interested in traditional Turkish archery. The athletes were assigned shooting tasks initially without music and then with music at different BPM ranges (Downbeat, Medium, and Upbeat). Various biometric and athletic data were recorded before and after the music. During the practice, the effects of downbeat, medium, and upbeat tempo music on different physiological reactions and performance variables were analyzed. A Polar watch, a digital stopwatch, and a high-resolution camera were used during the shooting sessions. Kinovea software was used to measure draw biomechanics. Results: The study results revealed significant differences in heart rate between shots performed with music at different rhythms, with higher average values found with higher tempo music (p < 0.05; F = 13.842). Regarding shot duration (p < 0.05; F = 9.212) and shooting frequency (p < 0.05; F = 8.763), shots performed without music took longer, while shots performed with moderate tempo music were found to be the most efficient. Participants scored significantly higher for shots performed with both no music (42.09) and medium rhythm music (44.71) than for shots performed with downbeat and upbeat tempo music (p < 0.05; F = 9.826). However, no differences were found in the draw biomechanics that shape technical performance during shooting based on music type (p > 0.05; F = 0.968). Conclusions: The findings indicate that while higher musical tempos elevate athletes’ heart rates and reduce shooting duration and frequency, shooting performance is superior at moderate tempos compared to downbeat or upbeat tempos.